Hi, I just wanted to see what peoples thoughts are regarding my boyfriends' family? I've just been to stay with them for the second time, and whilst they're all lovely, I felt a bit smothered by their behaviour.
They are all quite personal with one another, and I'm not used to this in my family. They all kiss each other on the lips (parents, children, grandparents etc) which I find quite off putting. I wouldn't even kiss my family on the lips, but on the cheek etc.
When we're out, his mum wants to either link arms or hold my hand, which again I find quite odd and slightly embarassing. My boyfriend and I are both 25. They want to be around us all the time, even when I was in another room reading the paper, they wanted me to come and sit with them at all times.
There are no locks on any doors, not even the bedrooms or bathroom. I didn't feel comfortable when I'm getting changed or in the shower, in case someone walked in, and sex was certainly off the menu. His mum held a full conversation with my whilst she was topless, after coming out of the bathroom. Most of the time, they leave the door open, whether they're brushing their teeth or on the toilet. My boyfriends mum actually went in to use the toilet whilst he was in the shower!
My boyfriend laughs and tells me they're just a really laid back, easy going family, but I think what goes on in the bedroom and bathroom is private. In my house, when you don't want to be disturbed, you lock the door until you're ready.
I left after a week feeling quite stressed out and stifled by their behaviour. At one point, I went out for a walk for an hour on my own, just to get a bit of space and peace. They really are lovely, friendly people - I just think maybe a bit too much so! Opinions please?